The bipartisan legislation pending before Congress known as Trade Promotion Authority is critical to the nation’s future economic health and to the global competitiveness of companies such as Gap Inc. The Senate has passed this legislation. Now the House of Representatives should do the same.

In 1969, as Doris and Don Fisher opened the first Gap store, they founded a company committed to doing business responsibly. As the business has grown, we’ve been guided by their vision to “do more” for the broader community — whether here in our hometown of San Francisco or at our newest store in New Delhi. That’s why Gap Inc. stands behind policies that we believe will make a lasting and positive impact, such as expanding global trade.

Research shows us that trade can create value and opportunities for U.S. workers. Today, 38 million American jobs are tied to trade, and studies show they pay more than other jobs. In California, trade supports 4.7 million jobs.

We at the Gap are proud to be one of the country’s top employers, with more than 111,000 Americans working in a variety of blue- and white-collar jobs across our company. They are designers, programmers, engineers, sales associates, store managers, marketers, distribution center employees and more. Our U.S.-based designers fashion our iconic American style to be sold in more than 90 countries around the world. More than 1,100 information technology professionals — our fastest growing employee segment — are developing capabilities that will enable us to provide a world-class shopping experience regardless of where our customers shop. Trade is critical to sustain these jobs.

At Gap Inc., we believe work is more than a paycheck, and we’re constantly striving to be the best place to work. Last year, Gap Inc. was the first retailer to announce a raise in the minimum wage. We’re also proud of the fact that at Gap Inc. women and men are paid equally for equal work across our global organization.

At the same time, we can’t overlook the fact that more than 95 percent of the world’s customers live outside the United States. To continue to grow our business responsibly, we need to establish better rules for the global marketplace to ensure American companies can compete globally. As we increase trade, companies such as Gap Inc. will be able to expand and hire here at home.

Last year, for example, we announced a new $100 million investment in our Fishkill, N.Y., assembly distribution center, which will create 1,200 new light manufacturing jobs that are bolstered by increased global trade. In addition, our increased Central American production is fueling our increased demand for American cotton, as well as U.S.-made yarns and fabrics.

However, in order to harness those benefits, we need expanded global trade with common rules. We urge Congress to do the right thing for America’s future and approve trade promotion authority.

Sonia Syngal is executive vice president of global supply chain and product operations for Gap Inc.